Fairfield is a lively and charming area drawing many to its unique atmosphere, rich inventory of heritage homes on tree-lined streets, its many beaches including the picturesque Gonzales Bay, and proximity to downtown.
Sitting just above Fairfield, the neighbourhood of Rockland was founded as one of the grander areas of the city and remains a desirable neighbourhood for its impressive homes, heritage architecture, and lush gardens.
What to Love
- Cook Street Village and all its boutique amenities
- Historic architecture and charming neighbourhoods
- Dramatic views of the ocean and Olympic Mountains
- Proximity to the downtown core
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Cook Street Village is one of Victoria’s most idyllic shopping areas, providing a one of a kind boutique shopping experience. Filled with an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and coffee shops, this five block shopping destination is nestled in a historic heritage neighbourhood, with easy access to the downtown core, Beacon Hill Park, or the beach.
Moka House has been a neighbourhood favourite since 1996 for great coffee and a community centric attitude. With arguably the best pizza in town, Pizzeria Prima Strada produces an abundance of house made products, creating not only delicious pizza’s, but numerous other delightful menu items, all while prioritizing traditional methods and fresh and local ingredients. Another restaurant not to miss is Thunderbird Korean Fried Chicken. You can’t go wrong with any of their menu items – whether its savoury, spicy, or anything in between, it’s the best you’ll find in the city.
A quintessential neighbourhood pub, the Beagle Pub offers fantastic food, over 35 beers on tap, and great prices and atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. With a great patio, and a brunch not to be missed, the Beagle is true community staple.
Surroundings is a must visit home store, focused on timeless furnishings for the home – they offer a blend of curated antiques with home decor from around the world. Here you’ll find everything from glassware and artisanal candles, to larger items like sideboards and harvest tables.
Fairfield Village Shopping Centre is another popular shopping destination for the Fairfield / Rockland neighbourhoods. While offering less boutique shopping options, here you’ll find pharmacies, coffee shops, a liquor store, Thrifty Foods (a popular grocery store), and even a pub.
Things to Do
At over 200 acres, Beacon Hill Park has been a community favourite for generations, originally designated as parkland in the mid 19th century. Here you’ll find walking trails, manicured gardens, playing fields, and even a petting zoo. Numerous children’s parks can be found here, as well as stunning views over the Olympic mountains.
Clover Point Park is a popular 10-acre waterfront park, where you’ll often find kites and paragliders along the edge of the bluff, and at times windsurfers and kiteboarders on the beach below. Connecting to Beacon Hill Park, this walkway is also popular walking / running route.
Originally opened in 1873, Ross Bay Cemetery is a 27-acre Victorian-style cemetery, containing numerous mausoleums and elaborate tombstones, and is the burial site of many of the city’s most prominent figures.
Sitting high up on the hill in Rockland, Government House is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, and is open for the public most days of the week. A must see are the stunning gardens surrounding the property, perfect for a weekend stroll.
If you find yourself looking for something to do on a rainy day, be sure to take a trip back in time at Craigdarroch Castle. Originally built in 1887, this lavish residence reflects the immense fortune the Dunsmuir family had at the time, with gorgeous stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, and extraordinary Victorian-era furnishings.
Just down the road from Craigdarroch Castle is the Art Gallery of Victoria, which houses an impressive collection of over 20,000 works from Canadian artists, indigenous artists, and other artists form the Pacific Rim.
Moss Street Market is a year-round market held every Saturday, with a plethora of artisanal vendors, farm vendors, and food vendors alike.
If you’re looking for a day at the beach, Gonzales Bay is an ideal option. Generally warmer than other beaches in the area, this sandy beach is stated due south, and offers panoramic views over the Olympic Mountains.